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 wreath of laurel leaves. And a very creditable bit of decorative work it is; wonderfully so considering the time—a fact that seems to prove we have always the artist with us, though certain periods do not encourage him to assert himself. Like the poet, the artist is born, not made; and he may be born out of due season in an inartistic age. On being asked to lift one of these cups we were astonished at its weight; so little accustomed is one to handle gold in the mass that the heaviness of the metal is not at the moment realised.

The hereditary Grand Championship of England is a privilege that goes with the manor of Scrivelsby, and was instituted by the Conqueror; and this brings to mind another peculiar privilege appertaining to the family of "the fearless De Courcys," granted as an acknowledgment of valiant deeds done on the battlefield. The representatives of this ancient family are entitled to the unique right of standing in the royal presence with head covered, and when George IV. visited Ireland in 1821 the then representative of the De Courcys claimed his privilege and stood before the king "bonneted":—

So they gave this graceful honour To the bold De Courcy's race— That they ever should dare their helms to wear Before the king's own face. And the sons of that line of heroes To this day their right assume; For when every head is unbonneted, They walk in cap and plume!

In the restored church of Scrivelsby most of the